Things to Do in Exeter with Kids

Exeter, a quaint city on the River Exe in Devon, has an enrapturing culture and history to explore. As an adult, you’re spoilt for choice among restaurants, bars, and shops - but what about the little ones? Whether you live nearby or are embarking on a long train journey to explore this vibrant English city, there are plenty of family activities in Exeter to enjoy. Come along with CrossCountry to explore our favourites. 

How to get to Exeter by train

You can reach Exeter by train with CrossCountry, with services running from various locations across the UK to Exeter St Davids. Routes are available from stations such as Bristol Temple Meads, Cheltenham Spa, and Birmingham New Street. Plus, there are services available from key Cornish stations, such as Penzance and Truro. 

Clip 'n Climb

Clip ‘n Climb Exeter is excited to invite kids of all abilities to their sky-high playground. Families can choose between public sessions and dedicated times for children who need a quieter environment, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and has as much fun as possible. 

There are twenty-four themed climbing challenges to try, including rocky crags, trees, and skyscrapers. Kids can also test their climbing skills on the Speed Climb or challenge their balance on the Stairway to Heaven. 

A particular favourite is the Leap of Faith, where participants must be brave enough to hurtle themselves high into the air onto a trapeze. Once the kids are worn out, head to the Workshop Café for a bite to eat. They serve a variety of homemade meals, as well as quality coffee to keep the grown-ups energised. 

Clip ‘n Climb is a twenty-eight-minute walk along the river from Exeter St Davids. Alternatively, there are bus routes available to the venue from the station bus stop. 

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Gallery (RAMM) is packed with child-friendly activities and treasures, from zoology to fine art to local history. The grand building on Queen Street has something to captivate any visitor’s imagination, no matter their interests. Entry is completely free, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring. 

Throughout the year, the museum hosts plenty of family-friendly events, including workshops where kids can create their own historical artefacts. Experts from across the country are eager to share their skills, teaching timeless techniques such as basket making, metal crafting, and even cheese making! 

As you explore the museum, pick up a RAMM bingo card and see how many curiosities you can find, helping the kids stay engaged throughout the whole museum. RAMM prioritises inclusivity and accessibility, offering relaxed sessions designed for individuals with anxiety, autism, and other associated conditions. Additionally, each floor has level access, and lifts are available for wheelchair users.

It’s a fifteen-minute walk to RAMM from Exeter St Davids, taking you past the lovely Bury Meadow Park. 

Exeter underground passages

In Exeter, one of the best places to discover medieval history is beneath the streets. Join a guided tour through the city’s storied underground passages, where you'll uncover archaeological artefacts and hear fascinating, sometimes grizzly, tales from Exeter’s past. 

On the tour, there are some tight spaces, requiring visitors to duck or squeeze through, making it unsuitable for those with claustrophobia. This tour is a great one for older kids, and while it isn’t suitable for children under 5, little ones can still enjoy the fascinating exhibition. For more information, including on accessibility, we recommend referring to Exeter City Council’s guidance on the underground passages. 

To reach the Exeter Underground Passages from Exeter St Davids, take a bus from Sidwell Street and arrive in just fourteen minutes. Alternatively, enjoy a twenty-minute walk, with the option to detour through the flower-filled Rougemont Gardens for a spot of sunshine before heading underground. 

Escape room

An escape room is a great idea for a day out in Exeter with the family, and there are lots to choose from. Getting stuck into an escape room is a great way to bond with friends and family, as it requires communication skills and reasoning. Kids particularly love the experience because they can be immersed in an entirely new world. 

 In Exeter, you can tumble down the rabbit hole to Wonderland at Escape Hunt, explore a lost jungle temple at Prodigy Escapes, or see what adventure awaits at one of the many other escape rooms across the city. If you’re an escape room fanatic and want to find your next escape, be sure to check out our guide to the best escape rooms in the UK. 

RHS Garden Rosemoor

RHS Garden Rosemoor is the perfect spot for a rejuvenating spring garden walk. And beyond its relaxing and serene appeal to adults, there’s plenty for kids to enjoy and learn about, too. 

There are two dedicated play areas within the gardens, the Brash and the Copse. The Brash is set in a pine woodland and features a sand pit, climbing frames, and bug magnifiers for kids to analyse creepy crawlies. The Copse is inspired by the illustrations of Quentin Blake, it features living wooden sculptures and benches to enjoy a picnic on. 

The garden also hosts educational visits for schools, teaching valuable horticultural skills, as well as events open to the public year-round. Why not take part in a Welly Walk or join one of their Absolute Beginners courses? 

RHS Garden Rosemoor is a little farther out, but well worth the journey. From Exeter St Davids, you can take a direct bus that will bring you straight to the gardens. 

Exeter Northcott Theatre

Exeter Northcott Theatre, located on the University of Exeter campus, offers a fantastic selection of kid-friendly shows year-round. It also runs several theatre companies for children of different ages, designed to nurture creativity and build confidence in a fun, experimental environment. 

These sessions encourage kids to step outside their comfort zones while exploring the magic of performance. From classic pantomimes to interactive journeys through history, booking a show here is sure to delight your little ones - and perhaps even spark a lifelong love of theatre. 

Exeter Northcott Theatre is under twenty minutes walking distance from Exeter St Davids or a ten-minute bus ride. 

If you’re planning to discover family attractions in Exeter, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.